neuromuscular blocking agent
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neu·ro·mus·cu·lar block·ing a·gent
(nūr'ō-mŭs'kyū-lăr blok'ing ā'jĕnt)A drug used to block neuromuscular transmission at the myoneural junction, which elicits paralysis of the affected skeletal muscles. This type of drug may also cause hypotension, flushing, tachycardia, and bronchospasms and should be used with caution in those with myasthenia gravis, in old and debilitated patients, and in those with renal, hepatic, and pulmonary disease.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
neuromuscular blocking agent
Any of a class of drugs that causes muscle paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve stimuli to muscles. They are esp. useful as an adjunct to anesthesia to induce skeletal muscle relaxation, to facilitate the management of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, and to facilitate tracheal intubation. They are also used to treat status epilepticus and to reduce metabolic demands by preventing shivering or muscle rigidity.
CAUTION!
These drugs may cause respiratory depression and should be administered only by persons who regularly manage respiratory failure with artificial ventilation.See also: neuromuscular
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